Biography

Pius Mayanja, better known by his stage name Pallaso, is a highly talented and versatile Ugandan recording artist, songwriter, producer, and videographer. With a unique musical style that blends Luganda, English, and Kiswahili, Pallaso has made a significant impact on the music industry in Uganda. His genres of expertise include Afrobeats, Hip hop, Dancehall, Afropop, and RnB.

Born on September 5, 1987, at Mulago Hospital, Pallaso is the son of Mr. Gerald Mayanja and Ms. Prossy Mayanja. He grew up in Kawempe, a suburb of Kampala, Uganda, in a family deeply rooted in music. His older brothers, including the renowned Dr. Jose Chameleone, have established successful musical careers in the country.

Pallaso's journey in the music industry began in 2000 when he joined Leone Island, a musical group owned by his brother, Dr. Jose Chameleone. Under the stage name Lizard, Pallaso released his first single, "Mudigidde," in 2003. The song, produced by Dr. Jose Chameleone, garnered widespread airplay and gained immense popularity among listeners.

In 2004, Pallaso ventured to the United States, where he resided for a decade while continuing to pursue his music career. During his time in America, he rebranded himself from Lizard to Pallaso, using his birth name, Pius. Collaborating with a local rapper named The Mess, Pallaso released a joint album titled "Change" in 2013 while residing in Lewiston, Maine.

Upon his return to Uganda in 2014, Pallaso embarked on a solo career and collaborated with various artists, gaining recognition and acclaim. His collaboration with the Goodlyfe Crew, "Amaaso," became a chart-topping hit, dominating TV and radio charts for several weeks. Pallaso's solo projects, such as "Wekoledewo kaki" and "Omugongo," further solidified his position in the music industry.

In addition to his successful solo career, Pallaso joined forces with Ugandan artist Sheebah Karungi to form the musical group Team No Sleep. Their collaboration resulted in hits like "Mundongo" and "Go Down Low," which won the HiPipo Music Awards for Best Afro Pop Song in 2015. Pallaso later co-produced the single "Tamale Mirundi" with King Saha and worked on various other notable projects.

In 2015, Pallaso collaborated with Nigerian musician Davido on the single "Twatoba," further expanding his musical horizons and gaining international recognition. The same year, he departed from Team No Sleep to establish his independent group, Team Good Music.

Pallaso's personal life has had its share of challenges and notable incidents. He is the younger brother of Jose Chameleone, another prominent figure in the Ugandan music scene. Pallaso is also a proud father to two children, Maisha Mayanja and Dinari Mayanja.

Unfortunately, Pallaso has faced adversities in his career. He was involved in a serious incident in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he was attacked by an angry mob, sustaining injuries from stones and pangas. Nonetheless, he has persevered and continued to make a significant impact in the music industry.

Throughout his career, Pallaso has received numerous accolades for his musical talent. He won the HiPipo Awards for Best Artiste in the Diaspora in 2014 and the Buzz Teeniez Awards for Flyest Music Video, Hottest Riddim, and Teeniez Hottest Collaboration for the song "Amaaso." Pallaso has also been nominated for various other awards, including the HiPipo Awards for Best Male Artiste and the Zinna Awards for Male Artiste of the Year.

Pallaso's discography includes a live club beats online concert titled "Pallaso Live" in December 2020, as well as his album "Mama" released on August 28, 2016. He has released numerous singles, including "Move Your Body," "Change" with The Mess, and "Amaaso" with Radio & Weasel, among others.

With his talent, versatility, and dedication to his craft, Pallaso continues to captivate audiences with his exceptional music. He remains a prominent figure in the Ugandan music industry and a source of inspiration for aspiring artists. As he evolves and expands his musical repertoire, Pallaso's contributions to the world of music are bound to leave a lasting legacy.